Chinese broccoli, or kale, does not resemble Italian broccoli, which is a member of the cabbage and cauliflower family. It is, instead, a stem vegetable with small white flowers and dark green leaves. The stems are slender and juicy, while the leaves have a slightly bitter taste. This vegetable was cultivated originally in China's southern states, particularly Guangzhou (Canton), but is now grown in most parts of China.